Approximate interpersonal comparisons of well-being

Pivato, Marcus (2010): Approximate interpersonal comparisons of well-being.

Abstract

We propose a mathematical model of `approximate' interpersonal comparisons of well-being, in terms of an incomplete preorder over a space of `psychophysical states'. We argue that this model is consistent with people's intuitions about interpersonal comparisons, intertemporal preferences, and changes in psychological identity over time. We then construct several simple mathematical models to illustrate the versatility of this approach.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: interpersonal comparisons; utility; well-being; welfare; intertemporal choice; metapreferences; multi-utility
• Subjects: D - Microeconomics > D7 - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making > D70 - General; D - Microeconomics > D6 - Welfare Economics > D63 - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty > I31 - General Welfare, Well-Being

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